Louth to help Ireland become global startup hub for jobs and innovation by 2020

08 October 15

Louth companies can help make Ireland a global startup hub for jobs and innovation by 2020- National Startup Gathering 2015 running from 5 to 10 October – InterTradeIreland is calling on all SMEs, start-ups and entrepreneur’s right across the island to attend the free events, workshops and seminars organised as part of the Startup Gathering 2015. The aim of the Gathering is to promote entrepreneurship and help develop world class develop regional startup hubs, as well as highlighting Ireland’s startup sector to global entrepreneurs, investors and R&D teams.

The brainchild of Eoin Costello, CEO of not for profit organisation Startup Ireland, and with the support of the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation through the Action Plan for Jobs 2015, and sponsorship by Bank of Ireland, the Startup Gathering 2015 is set to be one of the biggest startup events in the world.

Ardee based Mcor Technologies is an Irish manufacturer of the world’s only photorealistic-colour, paper-based 3D printers and its co-founder and CEO, Dr Conor MacCormack is encouraging Louth entrepreneurs and startups to take part in the Startup Gathering. He said: “The Startup Gathering is an opportunity for entrepreneurs to work and learn in collaborative way, it is a celebration of the world class entrepreneurs we have here in Ireland and the business supports that are available to entrepreneurs. From a Mcor perspective we won the 2008 InterTradeIreland Seedcorn competition, which gave our business a €100k cash injection, raised our profile and allowed us to open dialogue with global partners. This is just one example of the supports available to startups in Ireland, and I would encourage all startups and indeed those thinking of starting a business to attend one of the Startup Gathering events, learn about the supports available, network with likeminded individuals and use this opportunity to put Louth on the map as a hub for creativity, entrepreneurship and innovation.”

Commenting on InterTradeIreland’s support Grainne Lennon, Operations Manager, InterTradeIreland said: “InterTradeIreland offers a range of supports for SMEs and entrepreneurs and is proud to support the Startup Gathering 2015, which will help put Ireland on the map as a global startup hub. Putting these support structures in place for entrepreneurs provides them with the platform to further develop and nurture their ideas into viable business ventures and importantly create jobs in our economy.”

Breanndán Casey, Business Development Manager at the Mill Enterprise Hub, Startup North-West coordinator added: “Two third of all new jobs across the economy are created by startups. The Startup Gathering Week is an excellent opportunity for us to showcase the entrepreneurial spirit of the North West, and across the island of Ireland. If you would like to find out more information about events in your area you can log onto the website http://www.startupgathering.ie/events/regions/”